What better way to celebrate a successful first week back at school… than with a trip to the splash park?! Here in South Florida, we are lucky to have lots of little splash pads and water parks, and most of them stay open through September.
Saturday we went to the Coconut Cove Waterpark in Boca Raton. It was the first time we had been to this particular water park, and it was great!
Now you don’t need me to tell you how to have fun at a water park, but there are a few tips and tricks that will make your day easier.
Don’t bring a cooler. Most places will not let you bring in your own food and drinks, so check beforehand. If you bring a cooler, or one of those insulated lunch coolers, they will stop you right away. However, we have a insulated backpack, and no one ever questions that. We use it to bring milk for the baby, and to sneak in some fruit and nuts as a snack. I know, I am such a rebel.
Bring sanitizer wipes. Public restrooms. Wet children everywhere. It’s just gross. So if you MUST use the restrooms… you will need these. Trust me.
Have a plan. If your kids are far apart in age, like mine, you should have some sort of plan with your spouse before you go, so you don’t ruin the afternoon by yelling at each other. For example, my husband and I will take turns playing with the baby in the shallow areas, while the other one can go off to do things with our older son. (like the slides or ropes course, etc.)
Avoid Bracelet Drama. If you have little ones, just put the admission bracelet around their ankle. Mila ripped hers off her wrist in 30 seconds.
Meet up with friends. If you know you are going to one of these places, call your friends. Make it a play date. It is more fun for the kids, and for you as well. We met up with a bunch of family members, so the kids had plenty of cousins to play with.
SouthFlorida.com has a great list of all the water parks in South Florida, check it out and have fun!
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Kristen Hewitt says
I've never heard of it! Will have to check it out…oh to have weekends off! You are lucky!
Lauren says
It would be more fun to go during the week I bet, less crowded! (that was my 'glass half full' attempt… I used to work weekends so I feel you!)
Kori says
That is a great way to celebrate back to school ๐ Looks like you had a great time!
Lauren says
Thanks Kori! ๐
Nicole McGregor says
end of summer ๐
Lauren says
Yes but fall is SO much fun!!!! My favorite time of the year! ๐
Tarynn Playle says
Sounds like so much fun! I never would have thought of an insulated back pack-genius!! And I'm definitely with you on making a plan with the husband before hand.
Lauren says
Yes, it was my husband 'daddy baby bag' and we use it ALL the time now.
Melissa Matters says
How fun! That's a great tip about putting the armband on the child's ankle.
Lauren says
I realized it a little too late… as you can see from my pics! ha! ๐
Aubrey @ 53 Weeks says
Love it! Love the water fun for the kiddos and you gave very useful tips!!! I tend to be a rebel too when it comes to bringing "snacks!" lol
Lauren says
I still ended up paying 3:25 for a Icee. But it was really good, my son was nice enough to share with me! ๐
Sarah Honey says
So fun! What a great day! Great idea about putting the armband on the ankle! Have a great week!
Lauren says
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to comment! ๐
Ashley Kelly says
Sanitizer wipes. Oooooh goodness yes. And lots of little hand sanitizer gels. But regardless of the germs, water parks are so fun for kids! It's been so long since I've gone down water slides, this is making me feel a little nostalgic!
Lauren says
Yes, they can def be gross… esp the bigger ones. I have found these smaller city run water parks are much cleaner. We have been going a lot lately.. kids love them! ๐
Ai LTM says
I hear ya about the sanitizer! I try not to think about how nasty some of the bathrooms are in pool areas. We did the waterpark thing this summer, and we did what you mentioned, splitting up with the kids. I took our 3-year-old, and he took our 3 older kids. I loved spending time with my little one, but I was a kinda bummed that I didn't get to be with my other kids as much and my hubby didn't get to see all the cute things that our baby did. Oh well!
Lauren says
Yes, we switch off for that reason. I want time with both.. and to be honest.. being with the baby is kind of boring. haha
Jennifer - The Deliberate Mom says
What an awesome and fun back-to-school celebration! How clever are you?!
Good suggestions too.
Thanks for sharing.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
Lauren says
Thanks Jennifer! I hope your week is going well! ๐
Insulated Backpack says
Within the last few days, I am thinking to go on any tour with my family. And this article inspires me a lot. Thanks for the Amazing article.